South Adelaide Football Club Celebrates Bill Rawlins’ OAM Recognition
 

The South Adelaide Football Club extends its heartfelt congratulations to Bill Rawlins on receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his outstanding service to the community, as announced in yesterday’s King’s Birthday Honours list.

Bill has a long and distinguished history with the Panthers, having been an integral member of the Vice Presidents group and a generous sponsor throughout the 1980s. His business, the Patawalonga Motel in Glenelg provided accommodation for recruits and country players—a testament to his unwavering support of South Adelaide.

Beyond his contributions as a benefactor, Bill’s connection to the Club is deeply personal. His son, Mark Rawlins, played League football for the Panthers before tragically losing his life in a car accident in 1983. Mark’s legacy is honoured each year at South Adelaide through the Mark Rawlins Memorial Trophy, awarded to the runner-up of the prestigious Knuckey Cup—South Adelaide’s Best & Fairest award.

Bill’s impact extends beyond South Adelaide, as he is also a life member of the Encounter Bay Football Club, where he celebrated a premiership victory in 1958, 1960 and 1961. His lifelong dedication to football and community service has left an enduring mark on the sport and those who have had the privilege of knowing him.

Congratulations once again to Bill Rawlins on this well-deserved recognition.